Mark got involved with Villari’s in 1999 when his young children began taking classes in Marlborough. Both quickly discovered unique benefits; Mark’s son became more coordinated and balanced, while Mark noticed he was becoming healthier, stronger and more clear minded. When former owner Grupposo, who continues to train Villari’s instructors today, put the Natick studio up for sale in 2006, Lehman was excited to step in as director.

Mark loves to see children and adults expand what they perceive as their physical and sometimes mental limitations. He especially loves to see kids with all different levels of physical prowess work to gain the material necessary to move through the ranks. 

“Some kids have a lot of natural ability. For others, they have to work a little harder,” says Mark. “When some work really hard to learn the material, and others just naturally do it, it’s fun to watch both kids of kids grow. They all get it when they invest the time.”

Matt began taking karate when his mother, who had multiple sclerosis, went to a nursing home and was wheelchair-bound. “My dad wanted to give us something to get our minds off of that,” says Matt. “My brother and I got black belts in four years — we were there three days a week because that’s the most Judan Grupposo would allow us to go.” 

Teaching kids martial arts has been particularly meaningful to him because he had issues with bullies. “My knowledge and training helped me avoid trouble, and also gave me the ability to diffuse situations,” says Matt. “If I can help someone else — even if it’s for 45 minutes for someone to get away from whatever’s going on at home or school — I try to make it fun and worth their time.”

Matt lives with his wife, his young stepson, and his baby girl Fiona, who was born in July 2019.

Chris began training as a form of physical therapy following an accident that required him to rebuild his shoulder, but continued because he enjoyed the competitions, and loved pushing himself to get better. Chris has taught at Villari’s for over a decade, working around his career as a principal software engineer at Dell, because he enjoys helping kids improve their art. 

“It’s the aha moment,” Chris says of the reason he instructs. “It’s watching something click when kids suddenly get it. I live for that moment.”

Kaiyah has come to view the studio as a second home, though she also spends time working on obtaining her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. Her favorite thing to do outside of karate and teaching kids is reading, and she is always looking for good book recommendations.

Devin most appreciates the marriage of mind, head and gut working in concert that accompanies his study of Shaolin Kempo karate. He is an onologist, or wine expert, in his career, and lives with his wife and teenagers in Framingham. 

“Helping people exceed their own expectations keeps me going,” Pat says. “I learn more from my students than I could ever teach them.” When she is not teaching, Pat enjoys biking, adventure travel and is an aspiring photographer. 

Michael earned his Reiki Master from a Master Reiki instructor, and attended numerous seminars taught by the Villari Seven Dragons and their disciples. He studies and advances in the Karate/Kempo/Shaolin system, and teaches Tai Chi classes on a weekly basis. Michael and his family are deeply connected with the Villari’s Natick studio. He most enjoys watching young and old learn new skills and healthy habits through his instruction, as well as the teachings of others. 

He works in the software industry, and enjoys outdoor activities including archer, survival skills, woodcrafting and hiking. 

Doug, who continues to work his way through the ranks, improves his own material through his instruction because of the questions he gets asked by his adult students. He also enjoys being at the studio where he has made lifelong friendships. 

He is married and has two teenage children, and has worked as an engineer for Boston Scientific since 1992. He is an auto enthusiast and enjoys rehabilitating sports cars. Still, “martial arts takes up most of my free time, and I will never stop studying and teaching,” says Doug.

Beef  started his martial arts training in 1984 with the Villari’s Martial  Arts System studying under 10th degree Judan Master Mark Grupposo. He  was presented his 1st degree black belt in 1991 from Great Grand Master Fred Villari.

Beef successfully completed the Master/Teacher/Master of Reiki Masters Degree of the Usui System of  Reiki Healing from Libby Barnett, MSW, RMT. (Usui Shiki Ryoho is a spiritual energy practice complementary to the Chi energy development fostered in the Villari’s system.)  

As former vice president of infrastructure and operations for a large Boston-area hospital group, Master Beef conducted lunchtime meditation sessions or the staff. He was accredited from the State of Massachusetts offering continuing education credits for the nursing staff of St.Elizabeth's Medical Center  with meditation and stress release classes he developed.  

A self-described hot rod enthusiast, he still has his 1971 Z28 Camaro that he ordered after college in 1971. He and his son and brother raced 2 SuperPro cars for years at New England Dragway.